Magnitude 7 earthquake in Tibet kills 16 people and destroys homes

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck a mountainous region in Tibet on Thursday night at about 10:33 PM local time. The BBC, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera all reported that at least 16 people were killed in the disaster. Al Jazeera noted that the time of the strike corresponded to 14:33 GMT. [1][2][3]

According to the BBC, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera, 32 people were injured in the earthquake. Al Jazeera reported that 11 of the injured were in serious condition, while 21 suffered minor injuries, citing reports from local medical workers. [1][2][3]

The BBC reported that the centre of the quake hit Baqên County in the Nagqu region, approximately 400 kilometres north-east of the regional capital, Lhasa. Al Jazeera cited the US Geological Survey as stating that the epicentre was located about 190 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu and 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa. [1][3]

Authorities have activated a level-II emergency response and deployed rescue teams to the area, according to Al Jazeera and the BBC. The BBC reported that 339 homes collapsed, power supplies were severed, and rockfalls forced roads to close, making access difficult for rescue crews. [1][3]